The stage is set for Sunday afternoon as the Sydney Roosters do battle with the Parramatta Eels, and Sam Walker is looking forward to working on his combination with halfback Luke Keary after last week's big win.
Following two consecutive losses, the Tricolours lit the field in Mackay to pile on the points against the Gold Coast Titans, and the teenage half was excited at the prospect of what his side could produce in the coming months.
Walker: "We're Looking Forward to These Next Few Weeks"
Ever eager to learn more from his no.7, Walker paid tribute to Keary - who arguably had his best game of the season with three try assists and two linebreak assists against the Titans.
“He’s been awesome for me ever since I came to the Club,” Walker beamed.
“I was telling him all game how good he was going and he was on fire on the weekend. It was impressive to watch.
“To play alongside him, I’m trying to learn as much as I can from him. It was really impressive to watch on the weekend.
“We’re still building as a team; it was a good win on the weekend, I’m really excited to see where this year can take us and I think it was a good stepping stone on the weekend."
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This weekend will prove to be the biggest test for Easts so far this season when they come up against finals contenders the Parramatta Eels, who became the first team to knock off the defending Premiers the Penrith Panthers, in their own backyard.
It couldn't be a better stage for Walker and his Roosters to take on fellow contenders in this year's Magic Round at a sold-out Suncorp Stadium.
“We’re really looking forward to these next few weeks,” he said.
“I’m really excited to take on Parra, they’re a really good team and we’re really looking forward to the challenge.
“I think there will be a few (members) of my family there. Seeing all my family and friends after the game, it’s definitely one of my favourite things.
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“It’s (Magic Round) really cool. Wherever you walk you see footballers or fans, they really turn it on. As a footballer, you love running out to a packed house and that’s what it’s going to be on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for Magic Round.
“Bringing it up to Brissy where it’s such a big footy community, it can only help the game.”
Now back in his home state, the diminutive dynamo is taking the opportunity to spend time with family and his teammates as they complete yet another leg of the 'Tour de Queensland' - but ensured he would not get distracted ahead of Sunday's blockbuster.
“It’s awesome, the weather hasn’t really turned on for us yet,” he said.
“I caught up with my family yesterday and I love being back in Queensland.
“We had a bit of time up here last year as a team and I think it really brought us all together as a team and a Club.
“To have the opportunity to come up here for another week can only benefit us. We’ll get ready for Magic Round and run out again there at Suncorp on Sunday.
“That’s the main focus.”
